College Money

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There is no doubt about it; college is an expensive venture indeed. Whether you are counting on student loans, Mom and Dad or a full time job to pay the bills, the money will never seem to go as far as you like.

The good news is that there are ways to save and stretch your cash during these lofty years of academia, and you won’t even need to make the Dean’s list to cash in.

We have five great ways college students can save.

1. Food

One of the cheapest ways to keep your belly full during the college years is through a campus meal program. If you live in the dorm, this is definitely the way to go. Keep in mind that many programs allow you to take food from the cafeteria back to your room, so you can grab a couple of extra cookies from the dessert bar for later. If you are venturing into apartment life, cook at home rather than grabbing a meal on the go. Ramen noodles, boxed mac and cheese and bags of frozen veggies are some of the most frugal selections around. Oatmeal is another thrifty choice that will keep you satisfied until lunch most mornings. And forget Starbucks; invest in a coffee maker and brew your own.

2. Books

Textbooks are one of the biggest expenses that most college students will face at the beginning of each semester, but there are ways to save here as well. First, never buy books new; there is bound to be a place that sells used textbooks to the frugally minded. Keep that place in mind after finals are over as well, because you can probably sell many of your books back and make enough to enjoy those year-end parties to the fullest. Literature courses may also allow you to hit the library for the classics, since you probably won’t need them for more than a few weeks at a time.

3. Transportation
Most campuses are compact enough to allow students to get around on foot. You will save gas and parking money and stay in shape at the same time. If you can’t hoof it everywhere you need to go, a bicycle will usually do the trick. Use your car as little as possible or don’t bring on at all if you can get away with it. There are always friends when you need the occasional ride somewhere!

4. Discounts

Student discounts abound in college towns, so learn who offers them and take advantage of the savings whenever you can. You might find cheaper movies, food or even discounted computers and supplies. The discounts may not seem like much on the surface, but 10-20% adds up fast when you are on a tight budget.

5. Banking
Shop for the banks that offer free checking and savings accounts to college students, so you don’t get nickel and dimed in account fees. Many banks will also offer a free box of checks when opening an account. With the many options in auto pay or plastic today, that one free box of checks may last you well into your sophomore year. Once your accounts are open, take the time to keep track of them so you don’t go in the red. Overdrafts can cost a small fortune.

Cash may be tight during the college years, but there are ways to get by. With these tips and a few savvy strategies of your own, you will save bucks and survive higher academia in style.